Black Eyed Peas Recipe (with Ham)

Introduction

Black eyed peas with ham is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. It’s a classic recipe often enjoyed in the Southern United States. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, black-eyed peas bring a touch of love to the table.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to bring comfort to your home. The combination of smoky ham and tender peas creates a rich flavor that everyone will love. It’s also simple to make, even on busy days. Plus, black-eyed peas symbolize good luck, making this dish perfect for New Year’s celebrations!

How to Make Black Eyed Peas with Ham

Ingredients:

1 smoked ham hock
6 cups water (or low sodium chicken broth)
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
6 slices bacon
1 onion (diced)
2 ribs celery (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 pound black-eyed peas (dry)
10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with chilies

Directions:

Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris. Place them in a bowl or pot and soak for 8 hours or overnight.
In a large pot, add the ham hock, chicken broth (or water), bay leaf, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 60-80 minutes.
While the pot simmers, cook the bacon in a frying pan until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside. In the same pan, cook the onion, celery, and garlic in the leftover bacon grease until slightly tender.
Add the onion mixture, soaked black-eyed peas, and green bell pepper to the pot. Simmer for an additional 45-65 minutes until the black-eyed peas are tender, skimming off any foam that appears.
Remove the ham hock and cut off any meat from the bone. Add the meat back into the pot along with the undrained canned tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the peas reach your desired consistency.
Discard the bay leaf, stir in the cooked bacon, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve over rice with greens on the side.

How to Serve Black Eyed Peas with Ham

Serve your black-eyed peas over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious flavor. You can pair it with cornbread or collard greens for a truly Southern experience. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

How to Store Black Eyed Peas with Ham

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!

Tips to Make Black Eyed Peas with Ham

Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight helps them cook faster and become tender.
You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spices like cayenne pepper for a kick!
If you don’t have a ham hock, you can use diced ham or even turkey for a lighter version.

Variation

Want to spice things up? Add chopped jalapeños or smoked sausage for extra flavor. You can also throw in some carrots or other veggies to make it even more nutritious.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the recipe. Reduce the cooking time, as they are already cooked.

2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Black-eyed peas with ham freeze very well. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

3. How do I know when the black-eyed peas are done?
The peas are done when they are tender and cooked through, but not mushy. Taste a few to check their texture.